Need some help on IM minimax reactor

[MDeVito]

Hey guys,
So I'm currently building my drop off tank and need some help with my IM minimax desktop reactor. I picked up Dr. Tim's Bio pearls to run in the reactor, but I'm wondering would that be best with what I plan on using in the tank. I was going to toss a chemi-pure blue in the filter sock. Would the pearls do anything or would GFO or carbon be better with the chemi pure? Or should I not even use the chemi pure? This is my first reactor so any advice on using one will help me!
Thanks!

 

[reefwiser]

Well since your tank is new you currently don't need to run the reactor at all. All the media you have been looking at are used when you are having issues with chemistry problems do to an imbalance caused by overfeeding and not enough export of Phosphate.
First step is a good skimmer on a tank.
Second step is a algae scrubber on a tank. In your case use a Sana Monica Drop style they work great on the IM series tanks. I know I have one.
After the algae scrubber is growing then stop and see where you are. Adjust feeding and water changes to handle water quality issues.
Using media to try and keep your tank chemistry in line is not easy and is alway a tight rope. Best to use the natural way by maintaining a balance in your reef tank.